- Collection:
- African American Funeral Programs from the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System
- Title:
- Homegoing Services for James Wilford Bell, December 5, 1941 - February 19, 2009; Saturday, February 28, 2009, Gilbert-Lambuth Chapel, Paine College, 1235 15th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901, Rev. C. D. Roberts, Pastor, Officiating
- Date of Original:
- 2011-02-18
- Subject:
- African American men--Georgia--Augusta--History--20th century
Funeral rites and ceremonies--Georgia--Augusta --History--20th century
Funeral service--Georgia--Augusta --History--20th century
Mourning customs--Georgia--Augusta --History--20th century
African Americans--Georgia--Augusta --Genealogy - Location:
- United States, Georgia, Richmond County, Augusta, 33.47097, -81.97484
- Medium:
- church records
programs (documents) - Type:
- Text
- Format:
- application/pdf
- Description:
- Program for the February 28, 2009 funeral of James Wilford Bell. Funeral Date: February 28, 2009. Church: Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel/Paine College (Augusta, Ga.)
- External Identifiers:
- Metadata URL:
- https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_fpro_belljames20090228
- Digital Object URL:
- https://dlg.usg.edu/do:dlg_fpro_belljames20090228
- Language:
- eng
- Extent:
- 4 pages
- Holding Institution:
- Augusta-Richmond County Public Library
- Rights:
-
J-Comegoing Service
for
Mr. James JViCforcC'BeCC
(
December 5,1941
February 19,2009
k
'
Saturday, February 28, 2009
GjiCbert Lambutb CbayeC
Taine CoCCege
1235 15th Street
Augusta, Gjeorgia 30901
"Rev. C. D. Roberts, Tastor, Officiating
A'T*
The Obituary of
Mr. James Wilford Bell
In the early morning of Thursday, February 19, 2009, God reached into his
garden and plucked the flower of James Wilford Bell.
James was born on December 5,1941, in Bessemer, AL, to the late York and
Annie Mae Stanton Bell, Jr. He was the fourth of seven siblings and was
preceded in death by his brothers Toney Lee and Clarence, his wife, Joann
and his granddaughter Kurtrina Bell.
At a very young age James gave his life to Christ and became a member of
Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church. He was a graduate of Dunbar High School in
Bessemer and upon graduation received a full music scholarship to Florida
A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee where he participated in the
Marching 100 Band and graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in
Music.
After graduating, James began his teaching career at Jasper High School in
Ridgeland, SC. where he met and married the late Joann Jones Bell. He also
served 3 years in the United States Army 327th Marching Band and was
honorably discharged in 1972. He returned to teaching and completed his
career as a Band Director in the Burke County School System, which
included the Burke County High School and Blakeney Elementary School in
Waynesboro, GA. Before retiring in 1997, he was honored as an outstanding
educator in the county. Added to his other accolades, he was also a member
of the Epsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Augusta
Chorale.
After his retirement, James became an active member of Elim Baptist Church
in Augusta, GA and began performing with the R. L. Boyd Chorus, Mass
Choir, Sanctuary Choir and Youth Choir. A dedicated warrior to his
profession, Mr. Bell, affectionately called at Elim, continued serving the Lord,
at Elim and with Elim on program at other churches, even during his illness.
Mr. James 'Sug' Wilford Bell leaves to cherish his memories three sons,
Kenneth James (Trina) Bell, of Knoxville, TN, Curtis Wilford Bell and Kelvin
Christopher Bell of Augusta; beloved grandchildren, Devin Bell and
Desmond Smith of Augusta, three sisters, Mrs. Georgia Mae Griffin and
Mrs. Alberta Phillips of Detroit, MI, Mrs. Martha Ree Bell (Bernard)
McShane of Bessemer, AL; one brother, Mr. Ed Bell of Bessemer, AL; God
daughter, Nicole Ingram of Augusta; a special niece, Patricia Sims of Atlanta,
and a very special friend Ms. Cleo Ghant of Augusta, along with a host of
cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.
James was deeply loved by his family, friends and the community and will
be greatly missed.
ORDER OF SERVICE
Presiding...................................Minister Jarvis Ellis
Elim Baptist Church
Processional........................................Musicians
Song Selection....."Walk in the Light"... R. L. Boyd Mass Choir
Elim Baptist Church
Invocation.....................Reverend C. D. Roberts, Pastor
Elim Baptist Church
Instrumental Tribute.......Kelvin Bell & Mrs. Doris Robertson
"Just A Closer Walk with Thee"
Arr. Mr. James Bell
Scriptures
Old Testament............................Rev. T. L. Franklin
Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church
New Testament................................Rev. Don Long
Pierce Grove Baptist Church
Resolutions...Elim Baptist Church.....Mrs. Ann N. Johnson
Augusta Chorale........Dr. Phyllis Anderson
Silent Reading of the Obituary soft music
Acknowledgments.......................Mrs. Marlene Watkins
Song Selection......"It's All Over"...R. L. Boyd Mass Choir
Eulogy.............................Rev. C. D. Roberts, Pastor
Elim Baptist Church
Recessional......"Goin Up Yonder".....R. L. Boyd Mass Choir
Interment.......................Mt. Olive Memorial Gardens
Repast Elim Baptist Church
Active Fall Bearers
Charles Carson-Neighbor Zettis Wilson-Family Friend
Men of the Augusta Chorale
Honorary Pall Bearers
Deacons of Elim Baptist Church
Flower Bearers
Women of the Augusta Chorale
PARTING WORDS
To my sons
JAnd to aCC those whose hives I have touch
Dont worry about me, dont he sad
JAnd dont have any sorrow as I pass aCong
To he with the Lord Id he alright.
Mr. James "Sug 'WitforcC HeCC
JAcknawCedpements
TVe are most grateful to Qodfor the gifts of friends hike you
who have been so thoughtful and generous, your prayers,
cads, words of encouragement, f Cowers and the many acts of
kindness, both seen andunseen, have trvdy given us strength
and inspiration during this time. Thank you and may Cjod
continue to hCess each and every one of you.
The 'Jamdy.
~'Programs-'ECim Baptist Church~
'R. JA. Vent Historic 'Undertaking TstahCishment
930 VJAntignac Street, JAugusta, QJA
In charge